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23 Jan 2026
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23 Jan 2026
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The proposed Greenway would start at Coolnamona bog and follow along the train tracks used for transporting peat.
Work is underway to get the proposed Greenway from Portlaoise to Abbeyleix off the ground, according to an update on the long-awaited project from Laois County Council.
Earlier this week, the National Transport Authority allocated €3.5 million to Laois County Council to develop walking and cycling projects in 2026.
Laois County Council welcomed the announcement, saying: "This is very welcome funding for County Laois and will enable a continued focus on enhanced pedestrian and cyclists facilities together with significant infrastructure supports for public transport services."
Of the €62 million allocated for Greenway projects across Ireland, just €50,000 was designated for Laois to explore the potential for a Greenway from Portlaoise to Abbeyleix.
Laois currently has no Greenway in the county. Talks of a Greenway between Portlaoise and Abbeyleix have been ongoing for a number of years. The route would start at Coolnamona bog near Portlaoise and follow an old rail line used for moving peat off the bogs.
In an update from Laois County Council on the progress of the project, the council said: "In recent years Laois County Council has been scoping the capacity to deliver a Greenway from Portlaoise to Abbeyleix. More recently, the scoping exercise was expanded, to include lands in the area of Cuil na Mona and Ross Bogs."
The council told the Leinster Express / Laois Live: "The details for a Greenway Feasibility Study have now been agreed with TII and a tender for the appointment of a Design Team is currently underway. The Feasibility Study will be completed before the end of 2026."
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Back in October of last year, Laois TD Willie Aird said that efforts to get the first Laois greenway off the ground were being met with "obstacle after obstacle" and that he is "sick and tired" of the lack of support.
The TD made the comments at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development.
He thanked Laois County Council for their support at the meeting, but insisted that agencies such as state-owned companies must get on board.
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